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Grandmother of Thai weightlifting medalist dies while watching competition

Related Topics: Olympic weightlifting

What was supposed to be a joyous occasion for the family of Thailand’s Sinphet Kruaithong turned into a tragic one Sunday afternoon.

While watching her grandson compete in the men’s 56 kg weightlifting competition, Kruaithong’s grandmother collapsed and died according to multiple media reports. Subin Khongthap was among family and friends watching the competition on a projection screen, an event in which Kruaithong would win a bronze medal.

“The initial assumption is that she died from heart failure – but we have to wait for the hospital’s result,” said Somwang Prangprakoan a police officer in northeastern Surin province.